September 29, 2011
Yankee Stadium
The Bronx, New York

The Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees
2011 American League Division Series

Major League Baseball Division play began in 1969 and it has been like home for the New York Yankees.

The Yankees celebrate their third season at the new Yankee Stadium with home field advantage, thus playing Game One of the ALDS at Yankee Stadium for the third consecutive season. The Yankees have clinched the AL Division title for the 12th time in the last 16 seasons.  They have won the ALDS title 17 times.

Credit Joe Girardi as the sixth Yankees skipper to lead the club to three consecutive postseason appearances, joining Miller Huggins, Joe McCarthy, Casey Stengel, Ralph Houk and Joe Torre.

Joe Girardi acknowledges the Tigers as a complete team, very sound fundamentally. He stated that their starting rotation is good, their bullpen is good and they have left-handers in their bullpen.  “Detroit’s line-up is very good and it’s deep”. “We know how tough our opponent is, it’s going to be a tough series”.

Detroit Tigers Manager, veteran Jim Leyland offered his take on the teams. “We opened the season here at Yankee Stadium and we’re a bit of a different ballclub since that time.  We think we’re a better ballclub.  Certainly I think we’re a very good opponent”.

Two season issues were again hi-lighted during Manager Joe Girardi’s Press Conference; Alex Rodriguez health “not being there yet” and Jorge Posada as DH. Regarding A-Rod the manager assured the media in 12 easy words “I have no doubt that he’s healthy enough to play every day.

With Detroit using four right-hand starters, on the topic of DH and Jorge Posada, Girardi replied, “our intent is to use Jorgie as our DH”.

In the Yankees Clubhouse, I had the opportunity to question the former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, following their routine practice session.

It’s a little bit of baseball with a bilingual flavor.
Es Un Poquito de Beisbol Con Sabor Bilingue.

PREGUNTA – “Jorge, 2011 ha sido una temporada como ninguna otra en tu carrera”.  “Te pudiste adaptar a la pocision de DH y despues, como fue la temporada especial para ti?”
REPUESTA – “Especial por que ahorra mismo estamos a donde tenemos que estar y es la postemporada.  Nosotros estamos bien contentos en lo que podemos hacer y en la situacion en que estamos.  Estoy sumamente contento de que se pueda tener una postemporada con el equipazo que tenemos, porque estamos bien positivos.
PREGUNTA – “Jorge, tu guante de receptor, a donde lo tienes?”
REPUESTA – “(riza) ha ha ha, por ahi esta, por algun lado, muy cerca, muy cerca de mi (riza) ha ha ha”.

September 30th – Game One
LHP CC Sabathia 19-8, 3.00 vs. RHP Justin Verlander 24-5, 2.40